The Pencil Trick: What Type Of Breast Surgery Do You Need?
Contents
Breast surgery covers several procedures that change, rebuild or remove breast tissue in men or women. Some people choose it for cosmetic reasons, such as larger or lifted breasts.
For others it is medically needed, for example to remove cancer or to reduce very large breasts that cause back and neck pain.
Many breast procedures are done as outpatient surgery, so you go home the same day. A breast lift and most lumpectomies are usually outpatient, while many people stay in the hospital about 24 hours after a mastectomy, according to MedlinePlus.
What Is the Pencil Trick?
The "pencil test" is an informal at-home check for sagging. You place a pencil under the fold beneath your breast; if it stays in place, some people take that as a sign of sagging (ptosis).
It is not a medical test and it can't tell you which surgery, if any, you need. A board-certified plastic surgeon assesses sagging by looking at where the nipple sits relative to the breast fold, along with your skin quality, breast size and goals.
Can Men Have Breast Surgery?
Yes. Some men have gynecomastia, an enlargement of breast tissue, and choose surgery to reduce it. Men can also develop breast cancer and may need surgery to treat it.
Types of Breast Surgery
1. Implants
Breast implants are filled with either silicone gel or saline. They are used for cosmetic augmentation and to rebuild a breast after mastectomy.
Many people find silicone implants feel more like natural breast tissue than saline. In reconstruction after mastectomy, a surgeon may first place a tissue expander, gradually fill it with saline over several weeks to stretch the skin, and later swap it for a permanent implant.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Implants?
There is no single ideal body type or cup size. Good candidates are in good general health, don't smoke, have realistic expectations and want more volume, better symmetry or reconstruction.
Some people with small or uneven breasts consider breast augmentation in Houston TX, or wherever they live, to improve symmetry. A surgeon will help you choose the implant type and size.
Implants are not lifetime devices. The FDA notes that the longer you have them, the more likely complications such as capsular contracture or rupture become. They are also linked to a rare lymphoma called BIA-ALCL.
2. Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy removes a breast lump and some surrounding normal tissue. It is also called an excisional biopsy or partial mastectomy.
It is considered breast-conserving surgery, because most of the breast is left in place. That can mean less change to the breast's appearance than a mastectomy.
Who Can Go Through Lumpectomy?
It is often preferred for smaller breast cancers. When the lump is cancer, a lumpectomy is most often followed by radiation therapy, according to MedlinePlus.
Possible effects include pain, tenderness, scarring and a change in breast shape, especially when a larger amount of tissue is removed.
3. Reduction Mammoplasty
Reduction mammoplasty, or breast reduction surgery, removes breast tissue, fat and skin to make the breasts smaller and more proportional to the body.
Surgeons try to keep the nipple and areola attached to their blood and nerve supply, but breastfeeding ability and nipple sensation can still be affected.
The purpose of breast reduction surgery is to relieve physical symptoms and improve comfort and self-image.
Who is the Best Candidate for Mammoplasty?
People with very large breasts that cause chronic neck, back or shoulder pain, headaches or bra-strap grooves are typical candidates.
Large breasts can also cause skin rashes and chafing under the breast fold, and they can limit exercise.
4. Breast Biopsy
A breast biopsy is done when a suspicious area is found on a mammogram, ultrasound, MRI or physical exam.
Many breast biopsies use a needle rather than open surgery. The type used depends on the size, location and appearance of the abnormal area.
Who Goes Through Breast Biopsy?
A doctor may recommend a biopsy if you have a suspicious lump, abnormal nipple discharge, or skin changes such as scaling, crusting or dimpling that need to be checked for cancer.
5. Mastopexy
Mastopexy is also known as a breast lift. It raises sagging breasts and may reposition the nipple and areola.
A surgeon removes extra skin and sometimes some breast tissue. A lift doesn't add much volume, so people who want fuller breasts sometimes combine it with implants.
Who is an Ideal Candidate?
Most people who choose a breast lift want to restore shape after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes or aging.
MedlinePlus advises waiting if you plan to lose weight or have more children, since those changes can bring sagging back. Risks include scarring, uneven breasts and loss of nipple sensation.
Surgery Procedure
Before any surgery, consult a board-certified surgeon with experience in the procedure. The surgeon will review your health and decide whether the operation is right for you.
The surgeon will also discuss the following with you:
- Why you want or need the surgery
- Any drug allergies
- Any pre-existing health conditions
- Tobacco, alcohol or recreational drug use
- Current medications and supplements
For cosmetic surgery, you are generally a better candidate if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding, are in good physical health, and are making the decision for yourself.
Your surgeon may ask you to get blood tests, stop smoking, and adjust certain medicines before the procedure.
During the consultation, ask whether the surgeon is board-certified, how many of these procedures they perform, how long recovery takes, what the risks are, whether you may need more surgery in the future, and what happens if you are unhappy with the result.
Final Thought
Breast surgery is common, but every procedure carries risks. Research your options and talk with your doctor before deciding. For cancer-related surgery, your breast surgeon and cancer care team will guide the choice of procedure.
Sources
- Breast lift, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- Breast lump removal, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- Mastectomy, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- Risks and Complications of Breast Implants, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
